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Catalog

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

26 instruments available · See the ranking

Nektar Impact LX88 mk3

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$335€299Check ↗

Novation Launchkey 88 MK4

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$498€444Check ↗

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 Case Bundle

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,444€1,289Check ↗

Midiplus Stage 88

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$313€279Check ↗

Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 Black

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,052€939Check ↗

Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 White

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$996€889Check ↗

Studiologic SL88 GT mk2

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$960€857Check ↗

Studiologic SL88 mk2

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$537€479Check ↗

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 Kompl. 26 Ult.

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,713€1,529Check ↗

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 Komplete 26

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,332€1,189Check ↗

Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 White

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$392€350Check ↗

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,119€999Check ↗

Midiplus X-8 III

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$279€249Check ↗

Kawai VPC1 Stage Bundle

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,530€1,365Check ↗

M-Audio Hammer 88 Pro

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$582€519Check ↗

M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$241€215Check ↗

Roland A-88 MKII

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,232€1,099Check ↗

Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH BL without Case

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,736€1,549Check ↗

Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,400€1,249Check ↗

M-Audio Hammer 88

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$503€449Check ↗

Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,904€1,699Check ↗

Kawai VPC1

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,455€1,298Check ↗

Doepfer PK88 GH

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,283€1,145Check ↗

Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$1,893€1,689Check ↗

Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 Black

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$391€349Check ↗

Nektar Impact GXP88

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

$290€259Check ↗

About Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

Master keyboards, typically featuring 88 keys, provide a central control hub for virtual instruments and synthesizers. They allow musicians to play and manipulate sounds without needing dedicated hardware for each instrument. These keyboards are crucial for producers, composers, and performers who rely on software-based instruments.

Best for

Studio producerscomposerslive performerselectronic musiciansvirtual instrument users

What to look for

Keybed feel (action type)MIDI connectivity (portsprotocols)expression controls (knobssliders)build qualityweight and portabilityaftertouch support

Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys) — pros & cons

Pros
  • Centralized control simplifies complex virtual instrument setups.
  • Offers expressive performance capabilities beyond standard MIDI controllers.
  • Provides a tactile playing experience for software instruments.
  • Can significantly expand the sonic palette available to a musician.
Cons
  • Can be expensive compared to smaller MIDI controllers.
  • Reliance on a computer or host device introduces potential latency.
  • Portability can be an issue with larger, weighted-key models.
  • Requires familiarity with MIDI and virtual instrument software.

Questions about Master Keyboards (up to 88 Keys)

What’s the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a master keyboard?

A master keyboard prioritizes expressive control and often features a high-quality keybed, while a standard MIDI keyboard may focus more on portability and basic functionality.

Does a master keyboard require a computer to function?

While often used with computers to control virtual instruments, a master keyboard itself functions as a MIDI controller and can transmit MIDI data to external hardware synthesizers.

What is aftertouch and why is it important on a master keyboard?

Aftertouch allows for modulation of sounds *after* a key is pressed, adding subtle or dramatic effects; it's essential for expressive virtual instrument performance.

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